1Illadelph-78
| The harsh truth,
when you come down it, is that Indiana's star delivered and
Philly's didn't. Both had bad first halves in terms of scoring,
and in the end, only one was able to pick up his game. Wait for
game 2. |
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87-San Antonio1
| Well, I guess everyone
saw this coming. The only real surprise was bascially Tim Duncan
running around like Busta Rhymes after he hit that banker to
increase their lead. Look for the same Duncan and Robinson combo to
take KG out in the first round on Monday. |
|
|
Pacers
Lead (1-0)First Round Spurs Lead (1-0) |
MONDAY 4/23
Minnesota at San Antonio
9:30 p.m. ET 
Game 2 |
|
8Indiana-79
| Miller once again
delivered when his team needed him in the playoffs. And once again,
it was against AI's crew. But don't look for a repeat sixer beat
down, this year's Philly is much more prepared to fight to the
death, despite the injuries. |
|
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82-Minnesota8
| The play of the game
was when KG hit that off balence 4 footer after Duncan grabbed him,
and then watching Duncan's jaw drop open in complete horror as KG
yelled unclear explectives at him. KG got a technical, but it was
worth it. Can't blame them reall thogh, when you don't have adequate
help on Duncan for 48 minutes. The Wolves, if you just look at them
recently, seem to only need another inside presence besides number
21 to help keep out giants from the West. Too bad they can't get
anyone by Mon. Look for the TWolves again next year, faithful fans. |
|
4New York
| The Knicks better be
hoping that Vince'll be getting Jumpers Knee's tomorrow, or they'll
need to pull 5 perfect games from both Spree and Houston. The pguard
matchups might be a little bitter in the first round, since Chris
Childs will be playing against the player he was traded for. The
Knicks defense has been their key weapon this season, and they'll
need all of it if the Vince that 360'd on Kobe's all star head shows
up. If the Vince that only takes jump shots and never hits shows up,
Canada can say goodbye to the post season. |
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88-Utah4
| Old school still in.
That's not to say they dominated though. A young and inexperienced
Dallas team managed to keep this one a nail biter, until crunch
time. The Jazz just might be able to pull through, but Stockton has
to be able to stay energized for 5 games. Someone get the Gatorade. |
|
12:30 p.m. ET 
|
SUNDAY 4/22First
Round Jazz Lead (1-0) |
|
5Toronto
| Vince better be
bringing his A game tomorrow if he wants to keep his hard earned
post season alive. Childs or no childs, the game will be between the
3's this series, with Vince trying to take over Spree and Houston.
He doesn't need to worry about the Knicks outside help too much,
since Davis and Oakley will keep Johnson, Cambie, and Kurt all tied
up. With Mark Jackson back home, Vince will need to keep the ball in
his hands most of the time, since the transition factor hasn't
really entered Jurassic Park yet. This will be one of the closest
games in the first round, since both teams dominate only in
spurts. |
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86-Dallas5
| The intensity and
determination was all there. The only thing extra were the early
butterflies. They took too many shots too quick, but still managed
to keep Utah at bay. They couldn't handle the ball in the end, which
is what the Playoffs are all about. This is only one game though.
Finley looks poised to rule in Game 2. And, somone please tell
Bradley to stay away from Donyell Marshall. |
|
3Miami-80
| Miami lost for one
simple reason. With Timmy warming the oak, they'll need to coexist
with eachother depending on their own instincts. Put EJ on the
defensive end, and he may be able to stop the bugs from taking over
too early. Mason will have it easy handling Charlotte's lack of
inside presence, and Zo should be able to keep them in the game.
That said, they still need TBug. With no one to make that extra pass
or pull the D out past the downtown stripe, the Heat's remaining big
three cannot function. They have no room to operate, especially
since both EJ and Zo need room to score. And most importantly, Zo's
leadership will dictate how far they can go, but Hardaway needs to
be there to point them in the right direction. |
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SacTown3
| Sacramento isn't
worried, won't be worried, and won't even look back when they step
onto the court. The stats say number 3, but CWebb's dome won't take
it. This team hasn't backed down ever since he came to town, and the
playoffs don't change that. The past two losses however, do put
doubt in everyone else's eyes. In order to win, Webber will need to
be his All Star self, and Williams will need to play under control,
or Bobby will be pulled in. Oh, wait, they're playing the Suns?
Nevermind. Look at their roster! Phoenix doesn't need to unpack. |
|
7 p.m. ET
|
MONDAY 4/23First
RoundSUNDAY 4/22 |
3 p.m. ET
|
6Charlotte-106
| Charlotte can depend
on their three perimeter combo to rule, but they need to play D.
That was obviously no problem in Game one, but that was also due to
Miami's inability to score while concentrating on defense. Both
Charlotte guards can score, and without a defensive stopper on the 1
or 2, the slack will need to be picked up by Zo and All Star Mase.
Mase has helped this team produce, but he cannot lead them by
himself. Zo will regain dominance soon, but will it be soon enough?
He has yet to prove his past defensive identity, and the payoffs are
short. In short, Charlotte will have a field day unless someone can
stop Wesley and Davis. |
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Phoenix6
| Kidd, Marion,
Robinson, and Delk are all wonders in the open court. The problem
is, so is every single player in SacTown. An early exit is iminent,
unless Hardaway suddenly rises from his grave. Oh, wait, that
wouldn't help either. |
|
2Milwaukee
| Milwaukee will be
expected to win this one in no more than 4. With their big three
playing great ball as of late, they should have no problem posting
numbers. Their only visible problem seems to be stopping Mcgrady
from putting on his cape. So far, Mcgrady has been the Magic's only
leader, and that won't change in time for game one. As long as Big
dog, Ray Ray, and Sam I Am put up, the Magic have no choice but to
shut up. |
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Lakeshow2
| Public Enemy number
one faces Portland, where giants gather, but trip over each other.
Unless Rasheed can attend a few anger management classes by Sunday,
the Portland bunch is about to self destruct. Yes, there is such a
thing as having too much talent. With each player either trying to
win by themselves or play the consumate passive passer, the Lakers
are in for the second round. Unless, LA fans, your two gentle giants
try to teach other a lesson. In that case, the series will
definately go to 5. And, with the Lakers squeaking by with Kobe's
fro on fire and Shaq running after him. |
|
8:30 p.m. ET
|
First
Round SUNDAY 4/22 |
5:30 p.m. ET
|
7Orlando
| Orlando can smile with
or without a win in the playoffs this year, because they weren't
even supposed to be here. Without GHill, this team was supposed to
be undermanned and underpowered by everyone in the L. Then, Tracy
Mcgrady smiled, ruled, and said I told u so. Don't count him out
because he is every bit as spectactular of a player as he said he
was, but he will be put to the test in the first game of the post
season. The stats read 3-1, Orlando outgunned, and unless Tracy
tries for an MVP bid, he'll go home early. |
|
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Portland7
| Rasheed is an amazing
powerhouse. Too bad the Blazers only built one room. He can count on
Damon or Smith to help with the scoring load, but the problem is,
that's all they do. The team concept doesn't seem to be in motion
here, especially with Pippen "Still a Star" (sic) trying
to squeeze himself into the lineup. Damon can score, but the Lakers
have enough D to control everyone but Rasheed. Of course, the Lakers
just need to have Sabonis slap him again, and he'll be out faster
than he can throw the towel. |
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